Originally composed as a ballad, “DEAD FRIENDS” is a self-described “anthemic” eulogy for Demi Lovato’s friends who have passed away. It serves as the thirteenth track on Lovato’s eighth studio album HOLY FUCK. The song finds Lovato expressing survivor guilt after the singer-songwriter previously “danced with the devil”.

Honouring their late friends has been a recurring lyrical theme in Lovato’s past releases, including songs like “Unforgettable (Tommy’s Song)” (2021) and “Nightingale” (2013).